Regional climatic particularities
Istanbul enjoys a temperate climate, like the north of the country and the Black Sea region. The city changes its face according to the time of the year. Green and mild in spring, hot in summer, it becomes rainy and even snowy in winter. Average temperatures in Istanbul range from 3-8°C in January to 19-28°C in August. The shores of the Bosphorus change with the seasons, for the pleasure of the eyes.
The Black Sea region has year-round precipitation and permanent mists in its heights, and offers a green and abundant nature as well as superb panoramas on the tea fields. The Pontic Alps, which is the mountain range in northern Turkey that extends to the southwest of neighboring Georgia, promises cool temperatures, especially in winter, with snow on the peaks.
Central Turkey and its vast Anatolian plateau have their own climate: continental and semi-desert. The temperature differences are remarkable between night and day, and between winter and summer. Precipitation is low, around 300 to 500 mm per year. In this area, the climate is quite uniform, it varies according to the altitude and becomes more continental the further east you go. It is a land of extensive breeding.
The country's capital, Ankara, is located in the center of this plateau, at about 900 meters above sea level. With a cold and snowy winter, the average temperature in January is around 1°C, it can easily drop to -20°C. The summer is hot and dry, sometimes burning during the day, 38/40 °C can be reached in the worst moments. Nights are generally cool.
Also in this area is Cappadocia and Göreme, the city with the "fairy chimneys", at an altitude of about 1,100 meters. The climate is similar to that of Ankara and the landscape becomes magical when it is covered with winter snow. The average temperature in July and August is lower, between 22 and 29°C. It is not uncommon to observe some scorching days in summer.
The coastal regions of the Aegean and the Mediterranean have a very pleasant climate, the same as that of neighboring Greece, with mild winters and hot summers.
Along the Aegean Sea, the ancient cities of Pergamon (Bergama) and Ephesus (Efes) enjoy the Mediterranean sun all year round. The city of Izmir, the country's third largest city and second port after Istanbul, is a favorite destination. The average temperature in January is around 9°C, with the possibility of a sharp drop in temperature. Snow rarely appears (3 days/year). In summer, the sun shines and the air is very hot, with maximum temperatures around 30 °C on the coast and 35 °C inland. In the west, the site of Pamukkale records heat records around 40/45 °C. However, the breeze moderates the coast. And the meltemi (a fairly strong north wind typical of the region, called "etesian") blows on the sea of Izmir which, as a result, is never very hot.
In the south, it is even hotter than on the Aegean coast. The maximum winter temperatures are 15 ° C, in summer they fluctuate between 30 and 35 ° C. Here, too, temperatures of 40°C are not uncommon. On the Mediterranean coast, the average temperature is about 5°C higher than on the Black Sea coast. Rains appear from October to April and can be torrential. The city of Antalya has about 1,000 mm of rain per year, especially in winter. The period from June to September is the most advisable for a stay in the city, because it is unlikely to rain. And the sea is warm enough for swimming during this period and until October. The bathing season in the west and south is from April to October.
The territories bordering Syria are real hot spots in the summer season and are not recommended, also for reasons other than climatic.
Finally, in the east of the country, the steppe gives way to high pastures surrounded by mountains. The region can be visited favorably in autumn and spring. It knows the severe cold in winter and the heat in summer. Eastern Anatolia is accustomed to long, harsh winters, during which snow can fall from October to May and temperatures drop to -30°C.
Tourist seasonality
The low season extends from early autumn to early spring, from October to April. This is the time of year when the country (except for the ski resorts, which are at their peak) is less crowded for tourists and when hotels and hostels are empty and many restaurants and establishments close. This is also the season when you can find the most competitive rates in the places that remain open. A good plan for tourists who take advantage of this quiet time to travel cheaper.
From October onwards, apricot, quince and fig trees display bright yellow foliage and pomegranate trees are loaded with fruit. In autumn, nature's spectacle is particularly striking. Together with spring, it is our favorite season.
The shoulder season is in May and September for almost the whole country, except for Istanbul, where the shoulder season is in summer. Indeed, the streets of the megalopolis are less crowded in June, July and August. The weather is beautiful, temperatures are mild, the landscape is in bloom. These are two very pleasant months to stay in the country, especially in the center and southwest. You will meet travelers, but it is not the busiest time and the sites and hotels are not crowded. A great time to go.
The high season covers the summer months of June, July and August. This is the period when hotels, sites, restaurants, bars and cafes are in full swing. We strongly advise you to plan your vacation in advance and make reservations! This is also the time when prices and temperatures are at their highest. We warn you, it will be very difficult - if not impossible - to negotiate room rates. Note that the celebration of Kurban Bayramı, the Feast of Sacrifice, takes place from June 28 in 2023, which means a surge in crowds at that time.
The Christmas and Easter vacations as well as the Turkish summer school vacations (mid-June to early September) are similar periods in terms of rates and attendance to the high season.
Note also that for Istanbul, the high season is staggered and has two peaks of affluence: in April and May, and from September to October.
Recommended seasons to go
In summer, or from April to October. The ideal periods are late spring and early fall when the hustle and bustle of the high season is over and the weather is milder.
The contents of your suitcase will of course depend on the regions you wish to visit and their seasonality. The essentials to take with you: a good pair of shoes, a warm sweater for the night. In the summer, cotton clothes that are easy to carry. In winter, warm clothes and a raincoat!
If in Istanbul and other seaside cities such as Bodrum and Izmir, shorts, skirts, two-piece bathing suits and other short and light clothes are totally integrated into daily life, be aware that in the more conservative parts of the country, especially in the very religious cities in eastern and central Anatolia, you will have to adapt your clothes.
The wearing of a headscarf is not compulsory in any case, except for entering the mosques.
